text: Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted after the bird was discovered at Kingholm Quay on Monday.
  The gull was taken to a vets where it had to be put to sleep due to the extent of its injuries.
  Animal rescue officer Tricia Smith said: "An x-ray confirmed the bird had been shot.
  "This was a juvenile gull which had been caused a great deal of pain and distress," she said.
  "While the bird was found on an industrial estate, there are houses nearby and often children playing.
  "It is very concerning that someone has not only used an airgun to cause harm to an animal but done so near a busy residential area."
  They asked for anyone with information about the "mindless act of cruelty" to contact them.
  Get regular updates from the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway via our south of Scotland live page.
target: The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a young gull was shot near Dumfries.